Around the NBA: LeBron James shows off total game at Olympics

On a team loaded with many loud voices -- and talents -- LeBron James emerged as the unquestioned leader on Team USA this summer.

Chris Beaven

On a team loaded with many loud voices -- and talents -- LeBron James emerged as the unquestioned leader on Team USA this summer.

In games or practices, on offense or defense, his third year with the U.S. men’s basketball team showcased James’ total game.

“LeBron, if he’s not the best, he’s one of the top two or three best players in the world,” U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “Over the last three years, his game has just developed in all aspects: His leadership, his defense, obviously his offense, his shooting. He’s really embraced the entire game.”

His offensive skills no longer surprise anyone. But James’ defense, especially as a shot blocker and inside presence, has been eye opening.

“When he’s on the floor he’s extremely versatile,” Kobe Bryant said. “I mean his style of play fits this style perfectly because we can put him in the middle of the zone. He can make passes, he can make reads and he can play all five positions. His versatility helps us tremendously.”

Beyond that, James’ leadership is proving to be off the charts even on a team loaded with strong leaders.

“He just has a presence ... keeping guys loose, knowing when to get on them, make sure we have good practices,” Krzyzewski said. “He’s been a great ally for the coaching staff as far as getting our message across.”

James’ voice was heard throughout games, especially on the defensive end.

“He keeps it going nonstop,” Bryant said.

“That’s always good and it’s contagious,” Chris Bosh said. “That challenges other guys to speak up as well. When guys do that, we’re always attentive ... we know what’s going on, we talk on defense, we pick each other up when we make mistakes. We just cover for each other.”

James has called himself “the quarterback of the defense.”

“Every night we go out there I know I have that responsibility, which is OK,” he said.

James hasn’t hesitated to get in the ear of a teammate, from telling Dwight Howard to play tougher to encouraging Bryant to gamble less.

“They come to me, too, and tell me I need to be more vocal,” James said.

Holding pattern

Eric Snow and the Cavs remain in limbo as they await final word on the team’s disability insurance claim for the injured player.

Snow, 35, suffered a career-ending injury to his left knee last season, his 13th in the NBA. The Cavs are seeking an insurance reimbursement on the remaining year of his contract, which is worth $7.3 million.

Snow was limited to just 22 games last season, none after Feb. 22. Snow, the Cavs and the league appear to be on the same page -- the injury has ended his career. But getting approval of the insurance claim is taking time. It may well result in Snow having to show up at training camp just to flunk a physical to prove he is no longer capable of playing.

Deal not likely

Snow’s name surfaced occasionally over the summer in trade rumors because he has an expiring contract. Don’t look for the Cavs to throw him into any deals, though, because they’d potentially lose out on a large disability settlement.

If the insurance claim is accepted, the Cavs don’t have to pay any luxury tax on his $7.3 million and they get 60 percent of his salary back.

Broadcast options

Most people around the NBA view Snow as a future head coach. Several teams were interested in interviewing him this summer, including Chicago for its then-vacant head coaching position. The delay on the disability insurance claim, though, put Snow’s coaching career on hold.

Still, expect to see Snow around the game this season. His agent Steve Kauffman said Snow could land a gig with NBA TV and perhaps do some Big Ten college games. In doing that, Snow would be able to spend a lot more time at his home in Atlanta.

“He’s excited about doing this,” Kauffman said. “Plus, it keeps him close to his kids for a year.”

Snow helped set himself up for TV work a while back when he attended a broadcast camp at Syracuse University for NBA players. After this season, though, Snow should be a hot commodity to join a coaching staff as a top assistant.